Bittern
Botaurus stellaris
Length 70-80cm

Seldom seen on account of retiring nature and excellent camouflage afforded by streaked, buffish brown plumage in reedbed habitat. Presence in an area usually indicated by male's loud booming call, uttered at dusk and through night from April to June. When seen resting, bird has dumpy, hunched appearance. If alarmed, however, adopts upright, sky-pointing posture with neck outstretched and dagger-like bill held vertically. Occasionally seen briefly in flight, flying low over tops of reeds on broad, rounded wings and with legs trailing. Invariably associated with extensive, undisturbed reedbeds although harsh winter weather occasionally forces birds into more open wetlands. Only a few breeding pairs remain in Britain, these easiest to glimpse or hear at RSPB's Leighton Moss Reserve, Lancashire, or on reedbed reserves in N Norfolk. Wintering birds in Lea Valley regularly yield excellent, but brief, views from well placed hides. Feeds mainly on fish and amphibians but will take waterside small mammals too.